Known as the “queen of spices” in the cooking world, Cardamom is a popular spice used around the globe in a variety of dishes. While cardamom is a flavorful, distinctive spice, the essential oil that comes from cardamom seeds has uses that reach far beyond the kitchen. With calming and soothing properties, Cardamom essential oil can ease digestion, promote feelings of clear breathing, alleviate stomach discomfort, and more.

The chemical makeup of Cardamom essential oil makes it a calming oil—allowing it to provide soothing effects for the digestive system when ingested. Cardamom oil can be used to slow down muscle contractions in the intestines and to ease bowel looseness, which is why it is commonly taken to aid in digestion. Consider taking Cardamom oil internally when experiencing occasional feelings of stomach discomfort, or after over-indulging at dinner. When taken internally, it is best to dilute one drop of Cardamom oil in 4 oz. of liquid.

Freshly ground Cardamom seeds are used widely in the culinary world; you can use Cardamom oil in place of cardamom seeds to enhance the flavor of many recipes. The minty flavor and scent of Cardamom has made it a popular ingredient in traditional Indian sweets and teas. It is also used in curry dishes due to its warm, spicy aroma and flavor. As a companion to coffees, teas, sauces, and pastries, Cardamom is truly “queen of the spices.” Next time you are cooking, consider adding Cardamom oil to breads, smoothies, meats, and salads to enrich food flavor and to aid digestion.

Through Co-Impact Sourcing®, doTERRA ensures the quality and efficiency of the harvesting and distillation process that the cardamom seeds undergo. Close relationships with growers and distillers in Guatemala allow doTERRA to produce a high quality, potent oil through a proprietary distillation process.

Looking for a way to use Cardamom in the kitchen? This Cardamom essential oil recipe with molasses and oatmeal will be your new favorite once you give it a try!

Hearty Cardamom Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls

Even if you think you don't have time to make bread, you do for these delicious mouthfuls! While they require two rises, the actual prep time is small and the steps are straightforward. The rolls have just a touch of sweetness from the molasses, a hint of spice from the Cardamom essential oil, a subtle crunch from the sunflower seeds and oats, and nuttiness from the whole wheat flour. Whether for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year's Eve, we know you and your family will adore our Hearty Cardamom Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls.

Health Highlights

Sunflower Seeds: Vitamin E and folate are two nutrients in sunflower seeds that can help reduce cardiovascular health risks. Sunflower seed also contain magnesium which has been known to support a healthy mood and uplift individuals suffering from depression.

Rolled Oats: Oats are a good source of fiber and can aid in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that a diet including whole-grains, like Oats, can be helpful in lowering blood pressure.

Molasses: This syrup has proven to be a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the blood stream and are powerful components that can reduce free radical damage in the body.

Directions:

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let stand until bubbly. If it doesn’t get bubbly, throw it out and get some new yeast.

Scald milk (we just put ours in the microwave) then add it to the butter in your mixing bowl. When butter has melted, add brown sugar, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, molasses, and salt. Blend thoroughly and cool to lukewarm.

Add flax + 3 tablespoons of water and mix well. Add two drops of Cardamom essential oil. Add the yeast and mix to incorporate it. Then mix in the wheat flour and 1 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour. Add what you need to of the remaining ½ cup of flour until the dough loses its sheen. Let rest for 10 minutes.

Leave the dough in its bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours. It can sit overnight as well. Don't be alarmed if it doesn't look like it has risen; it doesn't rise a lot.

Turn out the chilled dough on a floured work surface and knead or fold and turn the dough slightly. Cut dough into 12 balls. Press each ball into a flat rectangle with your fingers, then roll up and tuck ends under. Place seam-side down in a well-buttered 9 inch round pan. (We used a pie dish.) Brush all over with melted butter and sprinkle with rolled oats and sunflower seeds. Let rise for about two hours in a warm place. Again, don't be alarmed if they don't rise a lot; they will rise the most while in the oven.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until rolls are nicely browned and sound hollow when you tap their tops. Remove from the pans and brush generously with remaining melted butter. Let cool on a rack for 5-10 minutes.

Serve warm…with more Kerrygold Irish butter.

What do you think? A new fave? Comment below and let me know what you are most excited about when it comes to Cardamom Essential Oil!